The 2026 Grammys delivered unforgettable highs and awkward lows, from an emotional Ozzy Osbourne tribute to Justin Bieber’s puzzling performance, keeping music fans talking long after the final award.
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Music’s biggest night delivered unforgettable highs and a few awkward lows as the 2026 Grammy Awards unfolded on Sunday, mixing emotional tributes, breakout wins, and performances that left viewers divided.
Hosted by Trevor Noah, the ceremony opened on a strong note with Rosé and Bruno Mars energising the arena with a slick, crowd-pleasing performance that set the tone for much of the night. From there, the show oscillated between standout moments and misfires across its three-hour broadcast.
The best moments
One of the night’s most emotional highlights was the tribute to late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July 2025 at the age of 76. Led by Post Malone alongside Slash and Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, the performance of Black Sabbath’s War Pigs drew a standing ovation as Osbourne’s family watched tearfully from the audience.
Another major high came when Olivia Dean won Best New Artist. In an emotional acceptance speech, the 26-year-old paid tribute to immigrants, calling herself “a product of bravery” — a moment that resonated well beyond the music industry.
Sabrina Carpenter also delivered one of the night’s most polished performances, transforming the stage into a playful aviation-themed set as she powered through her hit Manchild, reinforcing her status as one of pop’s most reliable live performers.
The worst moments
Not every performance landed. Justin Bieber returned to the Grammy stage for the first time in four years with a stripped-down and puzzling rendition of Yukon, wearing little more than sparkly boxers and socks. The performance took an even stranger turn when Bieber abruptly walked off stage mid-song, leaving many viewers confused despite cheers inside the venue.
Technical issues also marred Alex Warren’s appearance during the Best New Artist medley, as a sound malfunction disrupted his timing and vocals. While he finished professionally, the glitch stood out in an otherwise tightly produced show.
Host Trevor Noah faced criticism as well for repeatedly engaging Bad Bunny in awkward audience banter that fell flat, briefly slowing the pace of the ceremony.
A flub for the ages
Perhaps the most talked-about moment came courtesy of Cher, who made a memorable on-air mistake while presenting Record of the Year. After an extended speech, Cher incorrectly announced Luther Vandross as the winner before the award was revealed to have gone to Kendrick Lamar for Luther, his collaboration with SZA. The mix-up produced an awkward but instantly viral live-TV moment.
Despite its uneven patches, the Grammys 2026 largely delivered on spectacle, celebration, and conversation — reminding viewers that music’s biggest night is as much about unpredictability as it is about awards.
